We have just launched a new mobile version of this site - m.trainspots. This page will use your smart device's GPS to loctate you and guide you to locations that are close to your present location.

Location notes

The location is a footbridge located in a rural area that affords good views in both directions. About 2 miles north of Rugby on the Nuneaton (Trent Valley) section of the West Coast Main Line.

Update 19-02-08 from Phil Redcoat:On a visit on 19 February 2008 I found parking full of Railtrack vans and parked down the lane. On arriving at location was asked by local if I had parked in the spot indicated by Trainspots and was informed that 'they' were clamping down on people parking there. He then went off to argue with the Railtrack guys.There is an issue here be warned.

Railway type and traffic

Usual West Coast Main line Virgin WC traffic on the passenger front. Plenty of freight action from DRS, DB Schenker and Freightliner.

Link to Real Time Trains

RTT Link CathironThis link should be close to the location, but may not be the actual location so please check the page. This link will take you to what is happening 'around now'. Dates and times can be changed at the top of the page.

Environment

Outside a small village in rural Warwickshire.

Road directions

From the village of Brinklow (near to the M6 junction 2) follow the B4455 towards Bretford. Immediately after leaving the village of Brinklow the B4455 bears 90 degrees right, take the left turn at this bend, signed to Easenhall. Almost immediately the road will bear to the left, at this point take the right hand turn (actually you will be going straight on, but do not have right of way) signed Cathiron. Follow this narrow lane for about a mile and a half and you will eventually cross over the line. Shortly after crossing the line you will see an area of land that you can park the car on to the right.
The footbridge is visible from this spot. PLEASE ensure you do not block the driveway to the house. For the earlybirds and before the sun has gotten onto the southern side of the line, if you continue past this parking spot you will come to a small bridge at a T junction. Turn right here (headed for Rugby) and this will lead you back over the railway line. Early morning southbound shots can be had from this field.

This can be a very popular location, please be courteous to other photographers if there are lots of people about

As the line runs SE-NW the sun (in summertime) isn't usually on the right side for the footbridge shot until gone midday. It is then good for sun on the nose southbound shots until around 15:00. From about this time the northbound shot comes into its own, and is on until sunset. Shadows from the trees do affect the line later into the evening. As mentioned above, there is a pre 11:00 southbound only shot from a nearby field.
The photos illustrate the shots that can be had. For the northbound standard lens shot, a set of steps is reccomended to get over the palisade fencing. The same set of steps could also come in handy to look over somebodies shoulders for the southbound shot as this location can become very popular, and space can be tight.
A large fence has been erected by Network Rail on the western side of the footbridge, enclosing the steps. Northbound workings can be photographed through the railings, but southbound shots are difficult. The northbound fast line is now only a few feet from the fence.

A new signal gantry elimnates any other shot apart from this. The re-laid slow line has also now been electrified, so it may not be too long until this location becomes suitable for southbound workings only.

The information on these pages is supplied for the benefit of railway enthusiasts who carry out a harmless hobby, and through the medium of photography and video, actually promote the railway industry. Railway enthusiasts can also act as eyes and ears against railway vandalism, and as such should surely be encouraged to do so by the supply of adequate information such as is found on this website.

This site has been created to assist railway photographers in their travels around the country. It is based on the personal knowledge and experience. No liability can be held against the web site or its contributions for incorrect information. Trainspots will endeavour to check all information and corrections will be accepted and posted accordingly.

Advice as to the locations general environment is given as a guide on each page. This information is a GUIDE only. ALWAYS be careful with your equipment, Trainspots can not be held responsible for your personal security. Avoid leaving your property on display for all to see, be aware of your surroundings at all times. There are, sadly, people who will not think twice about trying to steal your equipment.

Trainspots DOES NOT condone trespass and none of the information on this site should be taken as a right to trespass on either railway or private land. To the best of our knowledge all locations are publicly accessible areas, where they are not contact information will be given to the appropriate authority for permission to be obtained.

The content of this site is created and intended for all age ranges but the content of sites linked from this site are not subject to the same intentions. Trainspots will attempt to check links for validity but as time passes and the site grows this will not always be possible. Broken, or indeed updates to, links should be submitted to the editor for inclusion in the updates. All links external to the Trainspots site are opened in a new browser window. Trainspots has been running now for over 10 years and there are imitation sites and guides to railfotspots. But we are a free site and we continue on the path we started out on over a decade ago to provide a useful guide to UK Railway Photographic Locations.